Diversity program bridges generation gap

KALAMAZOO--Today's work force is filled with Baby Boomers,
Cuspers, Gen Xers and Nexters who bring their own values and
communication methods to the work place--sometimes with negative
results.

Western Michigan University and several other area organizations
will help their employees bridge the gap between those four generations
by presenting "Generations@Work" at 1 p.m. Wednesday,
April 6, and 9 a.m. Thursday, April 7, in Kalamazoo's Chenery
Auditorium, 714 S. Westnedge Ave.

The free program is designed for the employees of the sponsoring
organizations and open to the public. Part of the seventh annual
"Respecting Differences" lecture series, it heightens
awareness of diversity issues in the workplace and is being sponsored
by WMU, the city and county of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo College,
and Kalamazoo Community Mental Health.

This year's offering examines the issues and values of workers
who represent the past four generations--those born after 1946.
SST Communications, a diversity theatre group from Chicago, will
use short sketches to illustrate how these issues might arise.
Following the presentation, a panel of area human resources
professionals will discuss solutions to the problems presented.

The four generations currently in the workforce are: Baby
Boomers (born 1946-64); Cuspers (late Baby Boomers and early
Generation X); Generation X; and Generation Y (born 1980-2000),
also called Nexters, Echo Boomers or the Millennium Generation.
But what identifies a particular generation is not as simple
as the year they were born. Ethics, entertainment, family, education
and technology all have made an impact on their lives.

Boomers tend to value career achievement far more than those
from later generations, who seek creativity and flexibility.
Most grew up in two-parent homes, yet may not have created the
same for their children.

Cuspers and Generation X may reject marriage altogether, yet
place greater importance on their families or personal lives
than their careers.

Generation Y is known for its irony and desire for truth,
a reflection of the uncertain times in which they live. One out
of four were raised in a single-parent environment. Racially
diverse, one out of three consider themselves nonwhite. Most
members of this generation are technologically savvy, routinely
using computers, MP3 players and the like.